Pokémon, Pirates and Trees
Most of you know by now that we love trees. So perhaps you also know that as an organization we are also inspired by trees. But what you probably don’t suspect is that we are also motivated by pirates and Pokémon. I understand that this sounds strange and needs an introduction, but in the end it turns out to be not so crazy at all.
The Role of Authenticity in a Team
As an entrepreneur and marketer, I believe in authenticity. Daring to be yourself. Not only as a person, but also as a brand. We try not to think too much in predefined boxes, profiles and education. But rather to look for unique people with a unique skillset within our team. Customers and guests also choose authentic and unique brands. So why don’t we always dare to be ourselves?
Increasingly, I find myself illustrating this through myself; I am trained as an IT professional, but run a creative marketing agency. I am ambitious and serious, but I like to relax by catching Pokémon on my game console in my free time. I am fascinated by all technological opportunities and developments, but also love history and find my peace by exercising in nature. I love classical music, but can also appreciate a solid beat. How do you categorize that?
And yet why are we so often selective in what we express when it comes to expectations from the outside world. For example, I was once advised to replace my outdoor backpack for a nice leather briefcase because then people would take me more “seriously”. I then decided on the spot to do everything I could to stay honest with myself. So that backpack is still there, but also catching Pokémon I now proudly carry around. Does that make you doubt my marketing skills? Fine, then there are plenty of other marketers who I’m sure would be happy to help you out.
Yet so often I still encounter people who find it hard to tell who they really are. I think that as an entrepreneur you sometimes miss opportunities to add unique skills to your team. Authenticity therefore now gets a good deal of attention during our job interviews.
Now that I have told you about the role of Pokémon, nature and history in my life, I can also take you through the inspiration I have drawn from them. In doing so, I will start with trees.
Geert Buskes
Employer Branding Strategist
What can we learn from trees?
That trees are special and can bring us peace and relaxation as human beings I knew for years. But books like “The hidden life of trees” and “The nature fix” really opened my eyes about the special world of trees. While reading these books, I couldn’t help but discover some special parallels with our teams.
Some lessons we can learn froam trees:
- Trees are stronger together than alone, but all the same types of trees are vulnerable. A team is stronger than an individual, but all the same characters and backgrounds make a team vulnerable. This is also true for partnerships.
- Trees communicate extensively with each other about opportunities and threats. Continuous communication is crucial within a team, not only about the things that could be better, but also about opportunities within an organization and the marketplace.
- Trees help each other in times of need by sharing nutrients and water. In a team, you are there for each other. Not only in good times, but also in bad times. We all have a down day or period from time to time and if you help someone get and stay stronger, you will get this back when you need it.
- Trees have a tremendous ability to self-regulate their environment. We as humans often think that nature must be planned and regulated. But a forest has an enormous self-regulating capacity. I believe the same is true for teams and people.
- Trees are flexible and agile. When the wind blows hard, trees go with the wind. The tree that is not flexible breaks down. In a rapidly changing (marketing) world, moving with the wind and being agile is almost a requirement.
Of course, there are also things we should not adopt from trees. For example, trees spend their entire lives standing still and in the same place, something we obviously don’t want.
Are you curious about what you can learn from pirates? Then quickly read the following blog!
